A motorcycle accident can cause catastrophic physical trauma and result in life-changing consequences for an injured rider. According to state data, an annual average of more than 1,500 motorcycle accidents occurred over a recent five-year stretch. If you suffered injuries while riding because a driver failed to avoid causing a collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Oak Law, can provide the legal assistance you need to pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and what our Royal Oak, MI, firm will do to support you.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Unique?
Motorcycle accidents differ from collisions involving passenger vehicles because motorcyclists have so little protection in the event of a crash. Because motorcyclists may sustain direct impact, be thrown from their bikes, and be run over by other vehicles, these collisions can result in devastating injuries.
These injuries can have life-altering effects. Victims may face lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation to regain function. Some may suffer permanent disability or disfigurement that impacts their ability to work and enjoy life as they once did. The medical expenses alone can quickly overwhelm families, especially if the injured rider is a primary breadwinner.
Motorcycle accident injuries also inflict significant physical pain and emotional trauma. Riders may experience chronic pain, PTSD, depression, and anxiety long after the crash. They may have to give up hobbies and activities they once loved, potentially including riding a motorcycle. Relationships with spouses and children can become strained as everyone adjusts to a new normal.
The financial toll of a serious motorcycle wreck goes beyond hospital bills. Victims often need ongoing medical treatment, home modifications for disabilities, and replacement services for tasks they can no longer perform themselves. Many lose weeks or months of income while recovering, and some can never return to their previous job. Seeking full compensation for these economic and non-economic losses is critical for rebuilding an injured biker’s life.
Common Injuries in Royal Oak Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists in Royal Oak face a high risk of suffering severe injuries when involved in accidents due to their exposure and vulnerability. These injuries frequently include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Shoulder and knee injuries
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
The road to recovery after a serious motorcycle wreck is often long, painful, and expensive. If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, the dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys at Oak Law, are here to help you pursue the financial resources you need to heal and move forward with your life.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan
Royal Oak motorcycle accidents have a variety of possible causes, many of which involve negligence or carelessness on the part of other vehicle operators. Distracted driving, especially using cell phones behind the wheel, takes drivers’ attention off the road and may cause them to not notice motorcycles around them until it’s too late. Drunk driving and drugged driving also play a significant role, as impairment slows reaction times.
In other cases, motorists may cause accidents by speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way, and not checking their blind spots. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan is drivers failing to notice or misjudging the distance between them and a motorcycle when turning left. This error leads to devastating head-on or side-impact collisions that can cause significant injuries to the biker.
While motorists have a responsibility to drive safely around motorcycles, hazardous road conditions also contribute to many motorcycle accidents. Potholes, crumbling pavement, uneven lanes, and inadequate road shoulders can be minor nuisances for cars and trucks but catastrophic hazards for motorcycles. Gravel, wet leaves, and road debris are also much more dangerous for a motorcycle’s stability and traction. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable in inclement weather like heavy rain or snow.
In some cases, issues with the motorcycle itself are to blame. Defective tires, brakes, throttles, or other critical components can fail and cause a rider to lose control. When manufacturers cut corners and produce faulty bikes and parts, they need to be held accountable for the accidents and injuries that result.
Establishing Negligence in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Claim
Proving that another driver, government agency, or manufacturer was negligent is essential for injured riders to recover the compensation they need. Police reports, witness statements, photos, video footage, and expert accident reconstruction can help show how the other party was at fault and liable for the resulting losses.
Oak Law, uses these tools and more to build strong cases for our clients. We’ll gather evidence, review the facts of the accident, and identify all potentially liable parties to seek the full compensation you deserve.
Recovering Full Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system requires you to file a claim with your own personal injury protection (PIP) provider. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses arising from the accident, including hospital bills, the cost of prescription drugs, and other medical costs. It may also include funds to cover a portion of your lost wages for up to three years, replacement services for up to three years, attendant care, and home modifications if your injuries require them.
However, if your injuries meet the threshold for serious injury under Michigan law, you have the additional right to file a claim against the at-fault driver, which can help you recover compensation for non-economic losses like pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of enjoyment. Your attorney will advise on whether you have a strong claim under Michigan’s personal injury laws and will pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve.
It’s important to note that Michigan law bars riders who are more than 50 percent responsible for causing an accident from recovering compensation. If you were partially responsible, but bear less fault than the other driver, any compensation awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Oak Law, Can Help
At Oak Law, our attorneys have years of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases in Royal Oak and the greater Detroit area. We understand the unique challenges these claims present and know how to build strong cases that maximize our clients’ compensation. Our team has a proven track record of successfully negotiating settlements and winning verdicts for injured riders and their families.
We conduct thorough investigations into every motorcycle accident case we handle. Our attorneys gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photo and video evidence to document what happened and who was at fault. When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other forensic evidence to prove liability. We can also consult with medical experts to fully understand the extent of our clients’ injuries and the care they will need in the future.
We understand that the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident is a difficult and stressful time. Our team provides compassionate legal guidance and support every step of the way. We’re proud to treat clients like family and fight fiercely for the justice they deserve.
Contact Our Royal Oak Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Royal Oak, MI, you need aggressive legal support to pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve. Contact Oak Law, today to get started with a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your legal rights and options, and help you understand what to expect from the process, at no financial risk to you – we don’t collect a fee unless we secure a settlement or favorable verdict on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Royal Oak
Motorcycle accident injury victims and their families often have questions about their rights and what they can expect from the legal process. Some of the most common questions we receive include:
Should I give a statement to the insurance company?
You may be contacted by an insurance company asking you to give a recorded statement about the accident. We recommend consulting a motorcycle accident attorney before giving any statements. Insurance adjusters often try to use your own words against you to minimize their clients’ liability. Let your lawyer handle communications with the insurance companies to protect your rights.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the driver who caused your motorcycle accident is underinsured or uninsured, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Your insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that can help pay for your losses. Our attorneys can also investigate other potential sources of financial recovery, such as your health insurance or a claim against a negligent third party.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Michigan?
In most cases, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. If you miss this window, the court will likely reject your case. There are some exceptions that can shorten or lengthen the filing deadline, so it’s important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to the compensation you need and deserve.
